Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-03-26
A KNAVE UNMASKED.
by FRANK SHERIDAN.


Robert Ellis. You must apologize, oil
never darken my doors again"
Very we'll, Mr. Bogdell, [ choose the
latter alternative.
1t was an incident in which angry, excited
tones had indicated that serious elements
of interest, emotion, and pride were at
stake.
Its denonement meant Punishment aud
unhapriness Tor Robert Ellis, yet az he
walked down the marble steps of the
stately mansion of MIR. Bordell, the
wealthy banker of Elmsille, a sentiment OF
Just conviction and resolut, determination
showed ON his young, handsome face.
The circumstances of the affair may be
very briefly recited.
John Bordell was an time resident OF
Elmville. and was the principal owner in
the bank at that place.
For many years he had been widower,
but his daughter Bertha and his son Ar
mold had cheered his loneliness. and when
the latter entered the bank, a year previous,
the banker believed his ability would soon
entitle him to prominent place in its OPP
erations.
One day, however, terrible blow fell
upon the devoted father.
Arnold Bordcll had disappeared, and
with him ten thousand dollars of the banks
money.
An examination of his accounts showed
frequent alterat ons and errors; a note was
left on his desk in which he stated that he
had lost heavily at gambling, and had en-
bezzled large amount.
He had, therefore, determined to fly, and
announced that he would never return to
disgrace the family name.
For weeks the proud banker was crushed
by the unexpected blow. His daughter
shared his grief, assuaged only by the con-
fdent assertions of Arnold's dearest friend,
young Robert Ellis, to the effect that he
did not believe in Arnolds guilt, and that
the latter was the victim of some terrible
plot.
Men and money do not disappear except
by dt sign" said Mr.. Bordell, bitterly. "No,
he is gully. I trusted him, and he has
deceived me. Let his name never be spoken
in this house again"
Then tn affair became darkened men,
DRY, and Elmer Arden, distant relative of
the banker, who had filled a subordinate
position for years in the bank, was adj
vanced to the lucrative and honorable posi-
ton which Arnold had held.
1t was this man, with eyes like snake
and the face of an arrant hypo rate, whom
young Ellis watched, as a cat does mouse,
for many day after the mysterious disap-
pearance OF Arnold bOrQell.
Why he suspected him he could not tell;
he had done so since the day Arnold went
away, and conversation between Arden
and stranger which he had overheard had
decided him on action.
Robert Ellis was connected with lawyer
in the town with a large practice. He was
an impu sive sort of fellow, and the very
day npon which our story opens had met
Arden coming from the bankers mansion
He knew that Arden had always betrayed
a longing for the company of beautiful
Bertha Bordell, and the fact that he was
fast winning the bankers confidence. and
Il firm belief that he was the cause of Ar
mold Hordells disappearance. led him to
act rash,y.
In fact, from n casual greeting their
meeting led to an open quarrel, in which
Ellis openly denounced him as a hypocrite
and scoundrel. and charged him and some
accomplish in plotting to ruin Arnold Bor-
dell.
You shall suffer for this" choked out
Arden, pale with rage, as they parted.
Beware how you cross nv path, or there
will be another mysterious disappearance"
The words betrayed the real yillainous
depths of Ardens nature. Ellis said not
another word, but a moment la.er entered
the Bordall mansion, and proceeded to the
library 10 seek the banker.
1t was there that the conversation de-
scribed above occurred. 1t formed the
climax to n long recital on the part of
Robert Ellis.
He began by stating that he had never
believed Arnold Bordell to be an embezzler
that he considered his disappearance and
the abstraction of the banks funds to be
the result of deep plot of designing
enemies.
81 forbid you to speak of my son." the
banker had interrupted Ell s by saying
sternly; lie is dead to me, and the evil
dences of his guilt were incontrovertiblf.
And then, in imprisoned tones, Ellis
Lad told him how he believed the new bank
cashier, Arden, to be a villain, and he re-
counted the quarrel that Lad occurred a
few moments previous.
Mr.. Bordell became very indignant at the
narration, and then. after demanding an
apology, VIII ca the high spirited Ellis had
refused, had ordered him never to darken
the doors of the mansion again.
With rapid step, an9ered Mt the per-
sistent and blind preference of the banker
tor his fayorite, the young man FASTENED
down the graveled walk to the road
Robert"
He paused as soft, silvery voice spoke
his name.
turning, he saw pretty, WlnSome Bertha
Bordell standing at a table in the rustic
veranda room i'll the garden, where, in her
| haste to address him, she had upset pile
of photographs.
Her deep, soulful eyes scanned his face
| searchingly az he approached her.
Robert she said, seriously, you are
excited You We're Fastening away without
seeing me. What has happened?"
The worst-the very worst" replied
| young Ellis, bitterly
lyon have seen my father"
"Yes."
"And have preached the subject of Ar
mold again."
II have"
sand you have quarreled2"
Seriously. Yes, Bertha, your father has
ordered me from the house."
The fair girls eyes fell and become tear
full.
Her heart was divided between love for
her devoted father and admiration for the
brave champion of her missing brother
Arnold.
She listened suspensefully rs Ellis told
of his interview with her father and of his
quarrel with Arden.
"The scoundrel!" he calculated angrily,
referring to the latter. Il know he is a viii
lain; l know he hopes to win your love
away from me, to secure your fathers for
tune. know he has plotted against Ar:
| mold; know where Arnold is